Crime statistics for 2014 for Georgia cities similar in size to Fayetteville show the city with some of the lowest crime numbers in the state. Offenses in the two statistical areas measured by Georgia law enforcement both showed a decrease in 2014 over the prior year.
Of the nearly two dozen Georgia cities with populations of 10,000-20,000, Fayetteville ranks seventh lowest for violent crimes and fifth lowest for property crimes, both considered Part I crimes.
Part 1 crimes are more serious in nature and include murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft.
Fayetteville during 2014 experienced one murder-negligent manslaughter, one rape, 14 robberies, 498 cases of theft (including shoplifting), 12 motor vehicle thefts, 38 burglaries and one case of arson, said Police Chief Scott Pitts.
In terms of the less serious Part II offenses such as vandalism, drug violations, disorderly conduct, DUI and fraud, Fayetteville experienced 321 of those crimes during 2014. The figure represents the lowest total for Part II crimes in the past 20 years.
“Citizens in Fayetteville continue to live in one of the safest cities in the state,” said Pitts. “Fayetteville’s crime rates are some of the lowest in the state. The police department continues to strive to provide a safe environment for citizens and visitors to our community.”
Of the 564 total Part I crimes during the year, figures for 2014 present a 3.42 percent decrease from 2013, said Pitts. The total number of Part 1 crimes has been decreasing since 2012 and in most cases, the totals for 2014 are lower than most years dating back to 2007. The high for Part 1 offenses over the past decade came in 2003 with 666 offenses.
There was an increase in theft, mainly shoplifting, at the Fayette Pavilion during 2014. That number at the large regional shopping center totaled 233 in 2014 compared to 201 in 2013.
In all, 35.56 percent of the city’s of Part 1 crimes occurred at the Pavilion. Those numbers represent a decrease from 44.92 percent in 2012 and are on par with 2008 and 2010.
To combat crimes at the Pavilion, said Pitts, patrols by off-duty officers have increased and the department is working with businesses to be more proactive in prosecuting shoplifters. Pitts said the department continues to support Sheriff Barry Babb in allowing deputies to assist with overlapping patrols to increase visibility.
